‘Can’t afford him’: Celtic can still hire 53-year-old with five league titles

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Celtic-linked Dan Petrescu remains on the market after Romanian outfit Sepsi OFK distanced themselves from the former CFR Cluj boss, as reported by Gazeta Sporturilor.

Frank Lampard, Eddie Howe and co would undoubtedly bring a youthful exuberance to a Celtic side in need of a rebuild after a failed attempt to hark back to the glory days of Neil Lennon’s first spell at Parkhead.

But Petrescu offers something that may be even more alluring to everyone of a green-and-white persuasion – a proven track record when it comes to winning league titles.

The four-time Romania coach of the year led Unirea Urziceni and Kuban Krasnodar to domestic glory before guiding Cluj to three successive Liga 1 crowns between 2018 and 2020.

So while Petrescu may have his doubters among Celtic’s fanbase, his CV certainly makes for impressive reading – especially if you’re a club that sees success as a pre-requisite.

The 53-year-old recently left Kayserispor after just eight games due to personal reasons and has been linked with a return to his native Romania.

But, speaking to GSR, Sepsi director Cornel Sfaiter has brought an end to such speculation.

“At the moment, Sepsi cannot afford a coach the size of Dan Petrescu,” Sfaiter admits.

“(The reports are) totally wrong. I’m telling you honestly. You know very well, Dan Petrescu wants trophies.

“The name of Dan Petrescu was not even discussed. We can’t afford to fight in the championship next season either, because we don’t have a budget.”

Last week, ProSport claimed Celtic had identified Petrescu as one of the leading candidates as they look to hit back against newly crowned Premiership champions Rangers in 2022.

And the Cluj legend, who famously knocked Celtic out of the Champions League in the qualification stage two years ago, will wait until the summer to make a decision on his future.

“Even if I’m called by Celtic, I can’t train now. I say that until the summer, 99 per cent, I will not go to any team,” said Petrescu a few weeks ago.